Couple police say did burglaries to buy heroin to stand trial

A couple police say burglarized homes to support their heroin habits were ordered Thursday to stand trial in Oakland County Circuit Court for first-degree home invasion.

The suspects – Michael E. Weiner, 27, and Adriana C. Walters, 25, of Detroit – waived their right to a preliminary examination before Ferndale 43rd District Judge Joseph Longo, who then ruled the suspects should stand trial in circuit court.

Police said they believe Weiner and Walters burglarized at least 16 homes in as many days in Ferndale, Royal Oak and Oak Park before members of the Troy Police Department’s Special Investigations unit arrested them March 6.

The suspects were arrested after police said they caught the couple burglarizing a house on Vester Street in Ferndale. They are accused of forcing their way into the house through a window when no one was home and stealing a $6,000 ring, rifle, iPad and a safe.

They are currently charged only with the single burglary in Ferndale where they were arrested. But police said they believe the suspects are connected to at least eight other burglaries in Ferndale, six in Royal Oak and one in Oak Park.

“We’re still investigating and dealing with some of the other burglaries,” Ferndale Police Lt. William Wilson said Thursday. “Chances are in many of (the burglaries) there is not enough evidence to obtain a warrant to charge them or get a conviction.”

Walters gave a limited statement to police after her arrest, Wilson said, and admitted being involved in several of the home invasions.

Weiner has served time in prison. His criminal history includes three convictions for breaking and entering, two burglary convictions and possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

He was paroled in October 2012 and served more than three years in prison.

“After he was paroled he got involved with heroin again and started doing home invasions again,” Wilson said.

Weiner is a former resident of Ferndale and Royal Oak. Walters only previous contact with police was for minor offenses, police said.

The first-degree home invasion charge the suspects face is punishable by up to life in prison.

A date for the suspects’ arraignment for trial in circuit court is expected to be scheduled Friday.